We saw some crazy fads come and go in 2007. Did anyone do the Cookie Diet or the Lemon Detox Diet? While some of these eating plans may result in short term weight loss, finding balance in your life will help balance the scale for the long term. With this in mind, here are some of the books the BN staff put on their shelves this year that won’t come down with the mistletoe.

Healthy Living from the Inside Out by Mariel HemingwayGoing 1,000 miles a minute? Mariel Hemingway challenges us to make simple, thoughtful choices in our lives to better our bodies, clear our minds and create space in our home that is restful and restorative. Think of this book as a “personal balance plan” for your mind, body and soul complete with recipes, yoga poses, decorating tips and building blocks to begin a meditation practice.

The UltraSimple Diet by Dr. Mark HymanNot feeling like the Biggest Loser? You might not be shedding the weight you want because the diet you’re on isn’t right for your body. Our bodies are not built to handle the foods we put in it (think Doritos washed down with Wild Cherry Pepsi), which result in toxicity and inflammation. Hyman explains that by eating the wrong things, we’re essentially programming ourselves to gain weight instead of burn energy. Hyman’s plan demystifies dieting and promises to help you lose 11 to 21 pounds in close to 8 weeks. Re-boot in ’08 with this fully integrated weight loss philosophy.

Eat, Drink, And Be Gorgeous: A Nutritionist’s Guide To Living Well While Living It Up! by Esther BlumHip nutrition from a nutrition realist? Esther Blum, a self-proclaimed party girl cum nutrition guru, tips us off on how to repair the damage from a night on the town, a week of vacationing and a lifetime of bad eating habits. No Guilt included. Blum suggests saddling up to the bar for a shot of wheatgrass as a mid day energy booster that also helps clarify the skin and improve energy and endurance at the gym as well as under the covers…now that’s what I call healthy living!

The Organic Cook’s Bible by Jeff CoxMost people think that the main difference between organic and non-organic products is its price. However, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for! Cox explains the benefits in flavor and nutrition for each featured organic item (from pineapples to poultry) vs. its processed counterpart. (You’ll go green when you learn how many pesticides it takes to grow celery!) Once you’ve made the choice to convert, or at least try organic-fare, Cox’s collection of delicious organic recipes are sure to make you an “organicista”!